EPF Salary: Every month, millions of private sector employees in the country deposit a portion of their hard-earned money into the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) to secure their future. But a question has been raised for years: is the salary limit of ₹15,000 sufficient in today’s times? As both expenses and salaries have risen in cities, this limit seems outdated and impractical.

For this reason, employee unions and millions of employees have demanded that the government increase the maximum salary limit for EPF coverage so that more people can access pension and retirement benefits. This issue was raised again in Parliament, and now hopes have been rekindled.

Concerns have risen due to the lack of change for a decade.

The EPF salary limit was increased from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000 in 2014. Since then, the working conditions of the country have changed, expenses have increased, and so have salaries. Yet, this EPF limit remains unchanged.

If someone’s salary exceeds ₹15,000, joining the EPF is no longer mandatory. This leaves millions of young workers out of the formal pension system, which further impacts their security.

What does the government say?

Responding to a question asked in Parliament on December 1, 2025, Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated:

• All employees earning up to ₹15,000 are compulsorily covered under the EPF.
• There is no minimum wage limit, but a maximum limit applies.
• A decision to increase the limit will be made only after consensus is reached between employees and industry organizations.
• The government states that this change directly impacts:
• on the one hand, employees’ take-home pay, and on the other hand, companies’ hiring costs.

What will gig workers benefit from?

The government has clarified that gig workers, i.e., those working on app- or platform-based jobs, have been recognized under the Code on Social Security 2020.

For them:

• Health benefits
• Accident insurance
• Old age protection
• Maternity support
• Schemes like these are in place, and a Social Security Fund has also been created.

Why is the limit increase necessary?

Today’s reality is that very few people can survive on a salary of ₹15,000. Higher salaries diminish the necessity, and this leads to:

• Employees lose access to retirement and pension security
• Financial pressures increase in later life
• If the limit is increased, more people will remain firmly entrenched in the formal social security system.

FAQs

Q. Is the EPF salary limit being increased?

A. No official announcement has been made yet, but it is under serious consideration.

Q. Who will benefit from the limit increase?

A. Employees who earn more than ₹15,000 and are not required to join the EPF.

Q. Will this affect take-home pay?
A. Yes, the increased EPF contribution may slightly reduce your take-home pay, but retirement benefits will improve.

Q. Will gig workers also be covered under the EPF?
A. Currently, there are separate social security provisions for them; direct inclusion in the EPF is still under discussion.

Disclaimer: This article is based on available parliamentary information and reports. Any changes to EPF limits, rules, and schemes will only be implemented after government approval. It is advisable to check the EPFO’s information for official updates.